It is an honor for BIMI WORLD to give special TRIBUTE to Maranatha Baptist Church, in Okinawa, Japan. Maranatha is definitely an extraordinary church!

The accomplishments of this mission church can be attributed to the ministry of dedicated servants that understood the purpose and mission of the church and were submitted to the control of God’s Holy Spirit.

To my knowledge no Independent Baptist church in America has had as many members answer the call of God for Christian service as has this remarkable church. Over 600 U. S. military personnel have made decisions to obey the call of Christ and surrender to His service while stationed on the island of Okinawa and attending Maranatha Baptist Church. Over 350 of these who said “yes” to God’s call are serving our Lord as pastors, teachers, music directors, youth leaders and missionaries. There are, without doubt, others that are serving the Lord that we do not know about. I spoke of this astounding fact during a missionary conference when 300 commitments for Christ had been recorded at Maranatha. At the close of the service the song leader said, “Brother Thompson, there are 300 and one. I am another one that answered God’s call while I was at Maranatha, that no one knows about.” Only eternity will reveal all that God and His Word has accomplished in the hearts and lives of the members of Maranatha.

A BIMI missionary planted this wonderful church, and because of the constant rotation of the military, there has been an ongoing need for a missionary pastor. The membership declines rapidly when a large number of people are given new assignments and sent to other places of service. This makes military churches unique regarding pastoral leadership.

God has graciously provided land in a better location and a much needed larger building to house the growing congregation. During the 35th Anniversary Service, September 7, 2003, the new church building was dedicated to God and the furthering of the Gospel of Christ. Missionary pastor Steve Nutt, speaking for the church, expressed gratitude to all of God’s people who helped physically and financially to construct the new building. Brother Nutt said, “Maranatha Baptist Church praises the Lord God Almighty for all the people who willingly donated their time and money to this building program. We would also like to thank all the people who traveled to Okinawa and gave of themselves to help with our building program.”

Baptist International Missions joins Maranatha Baptist Church in saying: “To God be the Glory, great things He has done.”

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Jonathon & Mandy Crews -  BRAZIL
Joel C & Brooke Daku -  KIRIBATI
Paul W & Martha Daku -  FIJI ISLANDS